Surah Aal-i-Imraan 3:128 - Tafsir & Translation
Read the Arabic text, translation, and detailed commentary for Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 128
Arabic Text
لَيۡسَ لَكَ مِنَ الۡاَمۡرِ شَىۡءٌ اَوۡ يَتُوۡبَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ اَوۡ يُعَذِّبَهُمۡ فَاِنَّهُمۡ ظٰلِمُوۡنَ
Transliteration
Laysa laka mina al-amri shay-on aw yatoobaAAalayhim aw yuAAaththibahum fa-innahum thalimoon
Verse Definition & Meaning
Meaning & Definition
Ali 'Imran 3:128 establishes Allah's exclusive authority in all matters of judgment, forgiveness, and punishment. This verse was revealed after the Battle of Uhud when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ expressed concern about those who wounded him, with Allah declaring 'Laysa laka min al-amr shay' (Not for you is the decision). According to authentic hadith in Sahih Bukhari, this verse was specifically revealed when the Prophet ﷺ cursed certain enemies during prayer, and Allah reminded him that judgment belongs to Allah alone. The verse teaches that while the Prophet's ﷺ duty is to convey the message (tabligh), the ultimate decisions of guidance, forgiveness, or punishment rest entirely with Allah. The Arabic term 'zalimoon' (wrongdoers) refers to those who commit injustice through disbelief and opposition to divine guidance. This principle establishes divine sovereignty over human affairs and teaches profound humility to all believers, including the Prophet ﷺ himself, demonstrating that even the most beloved of Allah's creation has no authority in matters that belong exclusively to the Divine. The verse connects to the broader themes of divine wisdom, mercy, and justice that permeate Surah Ali 'Imran.
This definition is based on classical Islamic scholarship and authentic interpretations from recognized scholars.
Tafsir & Context
Detailed tafsir and context for Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 128 will be available soon.
Verse Wallpapers & Visual Content
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Surah Aal-i-Imraan Ayah 128
Find answers to common questions about the meaning, interpretation, and significance of this verse in Islamic teachings and daily life.
❓What is the established meaning and interpretation of Ali 'Imran 3:128?
Ali 'Imran 3:128 establishes Allah's exclusive authority over all matters of judgment, forgiveness, and punishment. The verse 'Laysa laka min al-amr shay' (Not for you is the decision) means that the Prophet ﷺ has no authority in divine matters of guidance, mercy, or retribution. The complete message is that Allah alone decides whether to accept people's repentance or punish them for their wrongdoing, as they are 'zalimoon' (wrongdoers who transgress divine boundaries).
❓What are the reported circumstances of this verse's revelation?
According to authentic hadith in Sahih Bukhari, this verse was revealed after the Battle of Uhud when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ cursed certain enemies during prayer, saying 'O Allah! Curse so-and-so' after being injured in battle. The verse was revealed to counsel the Prophet ﷺ that judgment and cursing belong to Allah alone. Some reports mention it was revealed when the Prophet ﷺ said 'How can a people achieve success after having injured their prophet?' following his injuries at Uhud.
❓What is the significance of the specific Arabic wording in this verse?
The Arabic phrase 'Laysa laka min al-amr shay' employs emphatic negation (laysa) meaning absolute denial of authority. 'Al-amr' refers to divine command/decision-making authority, not worldly affairs. The conditional structure 'aw yatoob alayhim aw yu'adthibahum' (whether He forgives them or punishes them) demonstrates Allah's complete sovereignty over outcomes. The term 'zalimoon' (wrongdoers) comes from the root z-l-m, indicating those who transgress proper boundaries and place things in wrong positions.
❓What primary principles derive from this verse regarding authority?
This verse establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that ultimate authority belongs to Allah alone, even limiting the Prophet's ﷺ role to message delivery (tabligh). It teaches that humans, regardless of status, have no authority in matters of divine judgment, guidance of hearts, or ultimate outcomes. The verse reinforces that the Prophet's ﷺ duty is conveyance while Allah alone decides forgiveness, punishment, and guidance, as stated in other verses like 'Your duty is only to convey and on Us is the reckoning' (13:40).
❓How does this verse fit within the broader theme of Surah Ali 'Imran?
This verse appears in the context of lessons from the Battle of Uhud, demonstrating divine wisdom in apparent defeats. It connects to Surah Ali 'Imran's themes of divine sovereignty, the limits of human authority, and absolute trust in Allah's decisions. The verse follows discussions of divine support through angels and precedes reminders that 'to Allah belongs all in the heavens and earth' (3:129), reinforcing the central theme that ultimate authority and ownership belong to Allah alone.
❓What are the core spiritual lessons and ethical teachings of this verse?
The verse teaches profound humility, demonstrating that even the Prophet ﷺ must submit to divine authority. It cultivates tawakkul (reliance on Allah) by reminding believers that outcomes are in Allah's hands, not human control. The verse develops sabr (patience) by teaching acceptance of Allah's decisions and builds taqwa (God-consciousness) through recognition of divine sovereignty. It prevents arrogance and promotes spiritual surrender to Allah's will in all circumstances.
❓How can the guidance of this verse be applied in modern life?
Modern believers should focus on fulfilling their responsibilities while leaving results to Allah, whether in career, relationships, or da'wah work. In leadership positions, Muslims should remember their authority is limited and accountable to Allah. When facing injustice, believers should seek lawful remedies while trusting Allah's ultimate justice. In parenting and education, one should guide with wisdom while accepting that hearts' guidance belongs to Allah. This verse teaches releasing control over others' choices while maintaining personal accountability.
❓How does this verse address questions about divine justice and mercy?
The verse addresses concerns about divine justice by affirming that Allah's decisions are perfect and based on complete knowledge. It demonstrates that apparent wrongdoers ('zalimoon') may receive either divine mercy through repentance or justified punishment, both being expressions of divine wisdom. The verse clarifies that human emotions or desires for immediate justice must yield to divine timing and judgment, as Allah sees the full picture including potential for repentance and reformation that humans cannot perceive.
❓What does this verse teach about the role and limitations of religious leadership?
If even Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had no authority in matters of divine judgment, this establishes clear limits for all religious leaders. Their role is guidance, education, and conveying divine teachings, not controlling outcomes or claiming divine authority. Religious leaders must demonstrate humility, acknowledge their limitations, and avoid claiming powers that belong exclusively to Allah. The verse protects against spiritual tyranny and maintains the principle that all humans, regardless of religious position, are equally subject to divine authority.
❓How does this verse relate to the concept of free will and divine predestination?
The verse demonstrates that while humans have free will to choose their actions (becoming wrongdoers or seeking repentance), the ultimate consequences and guidance of hearts remain in Allah's control. It shows the balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty - people are responsible for their choices ('fa-innahum zalimoon' - they are wrongdoers), but Allah decides the ultimate outcome of forgiveness or punishment. This maintains both human accountability and divine justice.
Translations & Commentary
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